Coal decreased 28.50 USD/MT or 22.75% since the beginning of 2025, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Coal - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on March of 2025.

The global coal price index reached 154 index points in February 2025. This was a decrease compared to the previous month, which also reflected a fall in the overall fuel energy price index. The global coal index expresses trading of Australian and South African coal, as both countries are among the largest exporters of coal worldwide. How coal profited from the 2022 gas crunch Throughout 2022, coal prices saw a significant net increase. This was largely due to greater fuel and electricity demand as countries slowly exited more stringent coronavirus restrictions, as well as fallout from the Russia-Ukraine war. As many European countries moved to curtailing gas imports from Russia, coal became the alternative to fill the power supply gap, more than doubling the annual average price index between 2021 and 2022. Main coal traders and receivers Although China makes up by far the largest share of worldwide coal production, it is among those countries consuming the majority of its extracted raw materials domestically. In terms of exports, Indonesia, the world's third-largest coal producer, trades more coal than any other country, followed by Australia and Russia. Meanwhile, Japan, South Korea, and Germany are among the leading coal importers, as these countries rely heavily on coal for electricity and heat generation.

The global coal price index amounted to 227.81 index points in 2023. This was more than double the price recorded a year prior, and the peak in the period in consideration. Increased power consumption led to a rise in natural gas and coal demand that brought about an energy supply shortage in the latter half of 2021.

The Global Coal Index is a comprehensive measure of coal prices from around the world. It provides a valuable tool for coal investors, traders, and analysts to track the global coal market and make informed decisions. The index is designed to provide a transparent and objective benchmark for coal prices, allowing stakeholders to monitor trends, assess market conditions, and evaluate investment opportunities. It serves as a reference point for pricing contracts, settlement agreements, and financial derivativ

API2 Rotterdam coal futures amounted to 100 U.S. dollars per 1,000 metric tons on March 3, 2025 for contracts with delivery in March 2025. API2 Rotterdam is a Europe-wide coal price benchmark. Import prices for thermal coal became more volatile following the Russia-Ukraine war and European Union sanctions on Russian coal imports. However, since 2024, the AP12 Rotterdam as well as the worldwide coal price index have been comparatively stable.

The steam coal price index is a measure of the price of steam coal in the global market. This article provides an overview of the steam coal price index, its importance in the energy sector, and the commonly used indices such as the Global Coal Newcastle Index (GCNC), Miller Argus Index (MAI), and Richards Bay Index (RB Index). It also highlights the role of these indices in tracking price trends, making investment decisions, and understanding market dynamics in the coal industry.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Industry: Coal Mining (PCU21212121) from Dec 1985 to Feb 2025 about coal, mining, PPI, industry, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

First, domestic prices were measured based on the Polish Power Coal Market Index for sales to professional and industrial energy (PSCM1). Since 2017, coal prices in Poland have been steadily increasing, reaching the highest price of 727.06 zloty/metric ton in the third quarter of 2023. Global coal prices were measured by the ARA index (based on the prices of futures contracts in the ports of Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp). The ARA index has fallen since the third quarter of 2018, closing the second quarter of 2020 at 222 zloty/metric tons. In the fourth quarter of 2024, coal prices were lower on the global market than on the Polish market (considering the current USD/PLN exchange rate), reaching over 461 zloty per metric ton.

The international coal index is a benchmark price for coal traded in global markets. It serves as a reference point for coal prices, enabling buyers and sellers to negotiate contracts based on this index. The index tracks the price movements of different types and grades of coal across various global locations. Coal is a major source of energy and an important commodity for many countries. It is primarily used for electricity generation and industrial processes. The international coal index helps in establi

China Producer Price Index: Coal data was reported at 88.400 Prev Year=100 in 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 84.300 Prev Year=100 for 2023. China Producer Price Index: Coal data is updated yearly, averaging 106.400 Prev Year=100 from Dec 1980 (Median) to 2024, with 45 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 145.900 Prev Year=100 in 2021 and a record low of 84.300 Prev Year=100 in 2023. China Producer Price Index: Coal data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Inflation – Table CN.IE: Producer Price Index.

The price for one metric ton of Australian thermal coal amounted to an average of 136.10 U.S. dollars in 2024. This was a notable decrease compared to 2022, when the price amounted to over 300 U.S. dollars. Thermal coal, also known as steam coal, is used to generate electricity and its properties include a high moisture and low energy content. It is differentiated from coking coal, or metallurgical coal, which is largely used for steel production. Thermal coal/steam coal prices tend to be lower than coking coal prices, as coking coal requires fewer impurities. Coal consumption: the leading consuming countries Between 2000 and 2023, global coal consumption increased by some 65.27 exajoules, amounting to roughly 164 exajoules as of 2023. Today, China and India are the two leading coal consumers worldwide, at 91.94 and 21.98 exajoules, respectively. The two most populous countries on the planet thus accounted for over two-thirds of total coal consumption in 2023. The U.S. is a leading coal consumer despite the declining U.S. coal mining industry The United States was ranked third among the leading coal consuming nations in 2023, however, it has decreased its coal consumption for electricity generation considerably since 2007. This is largely the result of electric utilities switching to cheaper means for energy production such as natural gas and renewables, as well as growing concerns over greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. coal mining industry has also been on the decline in recent years.

The article discusses the importance of the coking coal price index in tracking and analyzing price trends of coking coal in the global market. It explains how the index takes into account various factors and provides a standardized measure of the average price of coking coal. Market participants can use the index to monitor price movements, make informed decisions, and manage their price risk. The article also mentions the commonly used Platts Coking Coal Index (PCCI) and other available indices from major

Graph and download economic data for Wholesale Price of Bituminous Coal, Mines for United States (M0490DUSM349NNBR) from May 1954 to Jun 1956 about coal, wholesale, mining, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Industry: Coal Mining: Bituminous Coal Underground Mining (Utility Sold) (PCU212112212112P) from Dec 2001 to Feb 2025 about coal, primary, mining, PPI, industry, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

The thermal coal index is a measure of the price of thermal coal used primarily for power generation. It provides a benchmark for pricing and trading in the global market, while also serving as a tool for investors and analysts to track and analyze the performance of the thermal coal market.

Australia Commodity Price Index: Weights: Other Resources: Thermal Coal data was reported at 9.800 % in Feb 2013. This stayed constant from the previous number of 9.800 % for Jan 2013. Australia Commodity Price Index: Weights: Other Resources: Thermal Coal data is updated monthly, averaging 9.800 % from Feb 2008 (Median) to Feb 2013, with 61 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 11.400 % in Aug 2009 and a record low of 9.800 % in Feb 2013. Australia Commodity Price Index: Weights: Other Resources: Thermal Coal data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Reserve Bank of Australia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.I050: Commodity Price Index: Weights (Old).

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Metallurgical Coal Market Size 2025-2029

The metallurgical coal market size is forecast to increase by USD 99.6 billion at a CAGR of 4.8% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is driven by the increasing demand for steel and the rise in several smart city projects, leading to an increase in consumption of coal. However, the market faces challenges such as volatility in metallurgical coal prices due to supply and demand imbalances. To mitigate this, coal blending and coal characterization through techniques like coal washing, coal property analysis using vitrinite reflectance and petrography, and coal reserve exploration are crucial.
Coal washing enhances coal quality by removing impurities, while coal characterization provides insights into coal's caking index, thermal maturity, and carbonization properties. Fossil carbon's role in the coal industry is significant as it is a critical feedstock in steel manufacturing and carbonization processes. The demand-supply gap in the market necessitates efficient coal production and utilization strategies.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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How is this market segmented and which is the largest segment?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Application

  Steel making
  Non-steel making


Type

  Hard coking coals
  Semi-soft coking coals
  Pulverized coal injection


End-User

  Construction
  Transportation
  Health Care
  Agriculture
  Others


Geography

  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  North America

    Canada
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE


  South America

    Brazil

By Application Insights

The steel making segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Metallurgical coal plays a crucial role in the steel industry, serving as the primary feedstock for coke production in steelmaking processes. The BF-BOF (Basic Oxygen Furnace-Blast Furnace) and EAF (Electric Arc Furnace) routes are the two primary methods for producing steel. In the BF-BOF process, large quantities of metallurgical coal are required to produce carbon-rich coke, which is essential for reduction of iron ore and the production of pig iron. In contrast, the EAF process uses scrap metal and requires lower volumes of metallurgical coal for anaerobic heating. While both methods contribute to steel production, the BF-BOF process was the dominant method used in 2020.

Furthermore, the consumption of steel is often used as an economic development indicator, and this growth in steel production highlights the ongoing economic recovery. The various types of metallurgical coal, including anthracite, bituminous coal, sub-bituminous coal, and lignite, are utilized based on their carbon content and caking ability in the steelmaking process.

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The steel making segment was valued at USD 160.30 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 85% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional market trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is projected to expand at a faster pace compared to other regions, driven by the significant demand from the steel industry. Factors such as industrialization and infrastructure growth in developing countries like China and India are fueling the demand for steel, which relies on metallurgical coal as a primary raw material for its production. With the rapid urbanization of cities in Asia, the need for steel is high for infrastructure development. Metallurgical coal, with its high carbon content, is essential for producing carbon-rich coke required for coking processes in steelmaking. In 2023, China, Australia, Indonesia, and India were the leading contributors to the growth of the market in APAC.

Furthermore, the demand for this coal type is particularly high in countries like China, which is the world's largest consumer and importer of metallurgical coal. The primary use of these in APAC is for electricity generation and household heating, as well as anaerobic heating and the production of pig iron from iron ore. The caking ability of metallurgical coal is crucial for its use in the steel industry, ensuring the successful production of high-quality iron and steel products.

Market Dynamics

Metallurgical coal, also known as coking coal, plays a vital role in the steelmak

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• Coal, export spot price, fob, United States

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Have timely access to reliable Coal price assessments in Poland:

• Coal (thermal), import spot price, cif, Poland

Each assessment includes Coal price history for the past 10 years, current prices, and short-term forecasts. Price assessments are updated on the 3rd business day of every month and are accessible via online charts, an Excel Add-In, and an API. Free previews for all assessments are available at Intratec website.

Coal price assessments for Poland and up to 32 other countries are part of Intratec Energy Price References. Subscribe and access now current prices of key energy commodities worldwide.

Indonesia Wholesale Price Index: Domestic: Mining and Quarrying: Coal Mining data was reported at 107.000 2010=100 in May 2019. This records a decrease from the previous number of 108.000 2010=100 for Apr 2019. Indonesia Wholesale Price Index: Domestic: Mining and Quarrying: Coal Mining data is updated monthly, averaging 97.130 2010=100 from Jan 2013 (Median) to May 2019, with 77 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 108.000 2010=100 in Apr 2019 and a record low of 87.700 2010=100 in Jun 2016. Indonesia Wholesale Price Index: Domestic: Mining and Quarrying: Coal Mining data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under Indonesia Premium Database’s Inflation – Table ID.IB003: Wholesale Price Index: by Sector: Mining and Quarrying.